Multi-purpose lamp housing and network

• US 7,467,881 B2
• Filed: 02/20/2007
• Issued: 12/23/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kenneth Clark Mcmillen
• Original Assignee: Kenneth Clark Mcmillen
• Inventors: McMillen, Kenneth Clark
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee; Jong-Suk (James)
• Assistant Examiner(s): Crowe; David R
• Application Number:
  US11/708,389
• Publication Number:
  US 20080198583A1
• Time in Patent Office: 672 Days
• Field of Search: 362/147, 362/148, 362/150, 362/364, 362/365, 362/253, 362/458, 362/276, 362/85, 362/86, 362/366, 362/260
• US Class Current: 362/364
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/026 intended to be recessed in a ceiling or like overhead structure, e.g. suspended ceiling
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0442 activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0471 the sensor detecting the proximity, the presence or the movement of an object or a person
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0478 by means of an image recording device, e.g. a camera
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0056 Audio equipment, e.g. music instruments, radios or speakers
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0076 Safety or security signalisation, e.g. smoke or burglar alarms, earthquake detectors; Self-defence devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/028 associated with devices performing functions other than acoustics, e.g. electric candles
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2201/021 Transducers or their casings adapted for mounting in or to a wall or ceiling

Abstract

A multipurpose ceiling fixture selectively receives and powers multiple components. A mounting strap supports a lamp socket, a battery socket, and plural power outlets for selected components. A cylindrical lamp housing within the fixture is attached to the mounting strap and a lamp is engaged with the lamp socket. An annular mounting chassis is adapted for receiving a plurality of the components which may include a loudspeaker; detectors of particles, heat, motion, sound and noxious gas; an audible alarm; a video cam; and an intercom. One may select only those components that are of interest to a particular installation and then can install such components into power sockets and on one or another of the several mounting surfaces. Of particular advantage is a mounting chassis that allows components a line of sight lateral to the fixture.

Claims

1. A ceiling fixture comprising:

a vertically oriented cylindrical can having a lower open and terminating with a rim;

a mounting strap within the can supporting a lamp socket;

a lamp engaged with the lamp socket and depending downwardly therefrom;

a cylindrical lamp housing within the can, the lamp housing secured by, and depending downwardly from, the mounting strap, the lamp housing encircling at least a lower portion of the lamp;

a cylindrical mounting chassis integral with the lamp housing and extending downwardly therefrom, the mounting chassis positioned adjacent to the rim the mounting chassis having an annular mounting surface positioned at an angle of between 35 and 55 degrees relative to a vertical axis of symmetry of the can, a plurality of cutouts in the mounting surface are positioned therearound;

a motion detector positioned selectively and secured by one of the cutouts in the mounting surface, and thereby oriented with a line of sight directed aross the lower open end of the can at an angle of between 35 and 55 degrees with respect to the vertical axis of symmetry of the can.

2. The ceiling fixture of claim 1 further comprising an intercom including an audio receiver and an audio driver, the audio driver engaged with a loudspeaker for producing music, voice and alarm sounds.

3. The ceiling fixture of claim 1 wherein the lamp housing is secured to the mounting strap by at least one coil springs.